Background

The Blue Water Footprint measures how much freshwater is taken from rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and underground aquifers for human use. It is different from green water, which refers to rainwater stored in the soil, and grey water, which represents used or other water requiring treatment. The blue water footprint focuses specifically on withdrawals of surface and groundwater, the type of water most industries, farms, and communities depend on every day. Understanding this measurement helps us understand how much we rely on freshwater reserves.

Industries That Contribute to the Blue Water Footprint

Several industries play a significant role in blue water use. For example: agriculture  irrigation to grow crops in both dry and moderate climates supporting food sustainability throughout the world; manufacturing, especially textiles, paper production, and food processing; and,  energy generation, including thermoelectric power plants, for cooling. These examples show how interconnected our economy and daily life is reliant on freshwater resources.

Sustainability and Reducing the Blue Water Footprint

Reducing the blue water footprint is a crucial part of sustainable water management. All users are turning to and implementing more efficient water use systems where applicable, and taking strides in technology to reduce water use, implement green and grey water use, and become better stewards of the natural resource.

Conclusion – Why the Blue Water Footprint Matters

Freshwater is a limited resource and when we use it faster than it can naturally replenish, the impacts can be serious. Rivers can dry up, aquifers can be permanently depleted, and ecosystems can suffer. Understanding and managing our blue water footprint helps ensure that water remains available for communities, ecosystems, and industries. It is a way to protect agricultural productivity, safeguard the environment, and build resilience in an ever-changing climate.

Background

Central Oregon relies heavily on streams and snowmelt from the Cascade Mountains, which feed into the McKenzie and Deschutes Rivers. Recently, researchers uncovered a surprising new water source in the Cascades. It is a previously unmapped aquifer believed to contain over 80 cubic kilometers of water beneath the Central Cascade range. To put that in perspective, that is potentially three times the volume of Lake Mead – the largest reservoir in the United States.

Research

In an interview with OPB, Lief Karlstrom, associate professor of earth sciences at the University of Oregon, explained. While scientists have long known the Cascades store significant water, it was not until this intensive study that they began to understand just how much. The project initially aimed to “better understand” the region’s landscape. It led to the discovery of a massive, untapped reserve.

Researchers revealed that the Central Cascade arc shows a strikingly consistent connection between topography and hydrology, tied to aging volcanic bedrock. These findings suggest that geologic structures in the region have directly shaped its water systems over time.

Discoveries of the Cascade Aquifer Erupt

Formed by volcanic eruptions and gradually uplifted by magma flows, the Cascade Mountains are underlain by rock with unexpected water-holding properties. According to Karlstrom, when volcanic rock becomes heavily fractured, it can store and transmit substantial amounts of water. These fractures allow water to seep and move through the subsurface in surprising ways.

This groundbreaking discovery came as researchers focused on what they call the “critical zone”. This is the near-surface region where atmospheric forces meet the solid Earth. By analyzing geothermal wells drilled decades ago, scientists were able to map temperature gradients and trace the extensive flow of water through the volcanic rock.

Conclusion

Although the study was originally designed for energy exploration, the findings have opened the door to a new understanding of Oregon’s subsurface water supply. Scientists note that the existing wells may not show the full extent of the aquifer. This means that the volume of water could be even greater than the estimated 80 cubic kilometers.

However, they also caution that ongoing declines in snowpack may hinder the aquifer’s long-term recharge. Further research is needed to fully map its size and determine how this water might be used.

House Bill 3419: What’s Next for Well Monitoring and Reporting?

Oregon House Bill 3419  has the potential to restrict how much water homeowners can pump from their exempt (non-permitted) wells. It requires meters to record water usage. This bill also focuses on constructing consistency in how water use is measured and reported, in hopes to refine water enforcement procedures.

Most types of water use require the user to obtain a permit from the Oregon Water Resources Department (“OWRD”). But Oregon law currently considers domestic use of up to 15,000 gallons of groundwater per day, including irrigation of lawns and non-commercial gardens less than one-half acre, exempt from permitting and reporting requirements. This could change under HB 3419.

Public Feedback

Public response to House Bill 3419 has been mixed. While environmental protection organizations like WaterWatch of Oregon, the Nature Conservancy, and the Oregon Environmental Council support the passage of House Bill 3419, many individuals have provided public comments in opposition. The Oregon Water Resources Congress (“OWRC”) also opposes HB 3419, stating, “We are not opposed generally to measurement and reporting… However [HB 3419] would provide OWRD with overly broad authority that will only compete with and undermine other ongoing water management efforts.”

Mark Owens, Oregon State Representative for House District 60, has said he is opposed to any bill that would establish constraints for rural residents who rely on exempt wells for their domestic water. House District 60 includes Baker, Grant, Harney, Lake, Malheur, and part of Deschutes Counties in central and eastern Oregon. Many residents of these rural counties rely on private wells to obtain domestic water. Owens’ aim is to make things less complicated for Oregonians. H wants to ensure access to secure and reliable water for their homes. He spoke about possibly setting up a fund to support repairs and replacements of wells that have been affected by droughts, fires, and contamination.

Conclusion

It is important that well owners, especially those who rely on exempt wells for domestic use, maintain awareness of potential rules and regulations that could require additional procedure concerning their water access. House Bill 3419 is currently in front of the Oregon House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water. There are no scheduled hearings on this bill, and the deadline to submit testimony has expired. We will continue to monitor the progress of HB 3419, so check back for updates! If you’re interested in learning more about ongoing water right issues, visit our the Schroeder Law Offices, PC blog!

More Information about House Bill 3419

1. Oregon Well Owners Face New Restrictions: State Proposes Controversial Monitoring Plan – The Hillsboro Herald
2. Farmers fret water meter mandate (HB 3419 hearing) | Oregon Catalyst
3. Good News – The Oregon Legislature is Not Trying to Meter Your Domestic Well – Oregon Property Owners Association
4. Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water House 2025 Regular Session – Oregon Legislative Information System
5. OWRC Testimony